The mizzen step is repaired........hurrah!
17 September 2018
• Shelburne, NS
by Mike/sunny
Damn!
Finally!
The mizzen step is rebuilt and the sail bent on with the new stackpak. Looking back on that project, I grant that while it was a very major undertaking what it wasn't was as bad as I was afraid it was going to be. For example, I just knew, that when I cut away the inside layer of fibreglass that sandwiched the plywood core, the mast was going to come crashing through the deck, so I compensated with a bit of overkill with jacks supporting the mast both from inside the cabin, and outside under a couple of conveniently placed winches. Also, I just knew that, in spite of the supports that I put into place, as soon as I loosened the stays the mast was going to fall over. Of course none of that happened. Instead we now have a much stronger pulpit base that we can have confidence in. In fact, I believe that it's stronger than it ever was, even when new. There were hiccups during the install, but those were due to either flaws in my design or improper machining, both of which could only be blamed on me. The photo accompanying this post is the finished product. I fiberglassed in a piece of wood on both sides of the aft bulkhead which acts as a base to the metal support that I designed and had built to replace the wood in the ceiling. Then, just for added security I bolted in a large piece of black locust across the cabin ceiling to distribute the load and add to the strength. It ain't pretty, but I believe that it is highly functional and won't be in sight once I surround the whole business with a cabinet.
Now I am trying to coordinate our launch, which is scheduled for next Monday the 24th, and work on the numerous other small tasks that we have prior to departure. Among other things, we have to replenish our stores, decide how much of our library of books, both hard copy and electrical, we really need to bring with us. On previous cruises we have had a huge paper library but we never read much of any of it other than the equipment manuals since I was more concerned with monitoring the engine and steering the boat, but this time, with the vane self steering and the fact that we will be staying offshore a lot more, I might have more time for the tombs. Barb has her fibre crafts to keep her busy and maybe I can get more practice on my accordion and do some painting.
There are a number of other small projects and jobs that I want to do before departure, but they can all be done during this coming week while the boat is still on the hard, and during the time following while we are in the water awaiting departure.
Once Nelleke has been launched there is some discussion on where we will stay for the next 3-4 weeks. I have had our marker on one of the moorings all year but since we haven't used it the club will allow us to stay on the dock until they haul them out mid October which should be around the time that we are planning to leave for the winter. Even if we do stay longer we can hang out on one of the moorings.
We are starting to put away the BBQ and lawn furniture in preparation for departure and we have made arrangements for someone to pop into the house occasionally to check things out and water the plants. All normal domestic administration that we have done before every time we leave for a cruise.
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